ST.MARY'S MOUNT ABU


Clicked Plummy on the way to school


What a day.
Drove up the winding, misty road to school this afternoon. Fog everywhere, water on my lashes, hair wet with spray. By the time I crossed the chapel gates, I was already drowning in memories. Feels like yesterday.
I can still see myself sneaking out, bunking limits, dodging that dreaded one-way ticket home. Once skipped lunch, ran like a madman to the lake for Bird of Paradise eggs. Brother Keane caught me on the wall behind the bogs. Thought I was dead. Couldn’t even talk, so I pulled the two eggs out of my mouth and showed him. He just shook his head and waved me off. Another ticket earned, never crashed. Lucky me.
Met Mr James at the refectory. Discussed the poor monsoon. Water supply has already dwindled to once every three days, two hours only. Two baths a week—Thursday, Sunday. Three minutes flat. Funny thing, those quick scrubs were heaven. Came out brand new. Some lads even tried sneaking in extras. Mad times.
Walked to the primary field—servants were busy marking lanes, fixing everything for tomorrow. Sports Day. Anticipation already fills the air.
September always brings it—the Concert one day, Sports Day the next. Our own Olympics, only louder, crazier, better. The thrill of winning Cock House, the pride, the sweat, the noise. Nothing like it.
And the relay… no outsider has ever beaten us. Not once. I’d like to see an Olympian try on our soil.
Snapped a few photos. Looking at them now, they’re more than just pictures. Their voices. Shouts, whistles, drums, the entire school roaring.
Do you remember? The butterflies before your race? The mad rush down the track? That mix of exhaustion and glory at the finish line? Close your eyes—you’ll hear it.
Sports Day was never just about running. It was about us. About belonging. About spirit. And standing here today, I feel it all over again.
Ains,
ReplyDeleteI've read every article you have published in the 'Mount Abu, The Abode of the Gods' and appreciated all of them. Good work. Hope they continue in the same vein
I agree wholeheartedly with you that my school days were the best days of my life. The monsoons were not to my liking. I didn't like the continual dampness, getting wet every time one ran to the bogs, damp clothes, the inner walls with big wet patches, gumboots filling with rain on our Wednesday and Saturday walks, several football games cancelled, etc. Even then, there were other compensations. There were new indoor games to enjoy, carrom, table tennis and whist to name a few. Boxing was also on the menu. There were film shows every Sunday (instead of per fortnight during the rest of the year)in the Gym. Will we ever forget the 'sunshine holiday' which we were granted when there was that rare respite and the sun appeared? During the sunshine hol, many of us walked to the old School lake, about a mile away to try swimming in the cold, dirty water.
Towards the ending of the monsoons, we began a 1 month practise for Sports Day. About 2 weeks into the practise, we were allocated our 'divisions' based on height in inches, age in months and weight in pounds. The seniors commenced 'club' drill which we really, really enjoyed. To this day, I can remember the 8 swing exercises. Music Pop was always available with his rendition of 'The Merry Widow' to which we performed.
Then, it was the real highlight of the year, Sports Day. Parents visited and we were all keen to impress. The finals of several events (high jump, long jump, throwing the cricket ball, cross country, 880 yards, etc),were held days before the big day. All the other events were held on Sports Day, and as you say, after Concert evening.
It seems to have left an impression on all the students of St Mary's. I have returned to the School on 4 occasions, each time for Sports day. I remember the years most clearly, 1961, 1998, 2004, and 2007. Each time I have entered the Old Boys race. It gets more difficult as the years pass. If I'm lucky, I may have one more visit left in me for 2011 when I'll be 70. Guess that the other Old Boys will have to carry me around the 200m course!
Bob Amore 1957
Yea Bob those were the days my friend.Hope to see you in 2011,and hope to see you as fit as you were the last time you dropped in.
ReplyDeleteAins